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What is the difference between College and University?
What is the difference between College and University?
At a further education college, most of the students have already completed their statutory education and are over the age of 16. The colleges also offer adult education courses and therefore will also have adult students of all ages. They give students over the age of 16 the chance to study a broad range of qualifications for all levels and abilities, including NC, NQ, HNC and HND plus many more. There is also the option to study some National 5 or Higher qualifications at college.
UK colleges offer all the subject areas you would expect from a university, and many colleges offer full honours degrees. UK colleges are also known for more practical, vocational courses, such as Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and foundation degrees, most of which are run in partnership with a university, and often allow students to continue to a full degree through a 'top-up' course. The flexibility and range of options available at colleges can be a big plus for those who did not quite get the grades to get into university directly from school, or simply want to have a qualification without committing to a longer academic career.
How many Scottish colleges are there and where are they?
How many Scottish colleges are there and where are they?
There are 24 colleges in Scotland, from Shetland to Dumfries, the Western Isles to Dundee.
You can find the links to all their websites here
What type of qualifications can one gain from College?
What type of qualifications can one gain from College?
Colleges offer a wide variety of qualifications at different levels, for example:
Courses which require National 4 and 5 qualifications such as National Certificates (NC)
Some offer a small selection of National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers
HNC (Higher National Certificate) and HND (Higher National Diploma): These qualifications can lead to university degrees such as :
HNC is usually a one year course, requires 2 Highers (A-C) and may lead on to year 1 or 2 at university or to an HND.
HND is usually a 2 year course, requires 2 Highers (A-C) and may lead on to year 2 or 3 at university.
SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) levels 1 to 2. They are inherently practical and offer a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to national standards. They don’t have to be done in the classroom — many people achieve these qualifications while carrying out their normal day-to-day work
Apprenticeship qualifications. An apprenticeship is a full time, paid job where you learn through on the job training but also gain formal qualifications. The arrangements vary depending on the employer, but you might attend college one day a week, or for a longer block of time once a month. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time. Some colleges also offer pre-apprenticeship courses, often in trades such as electrical installation or joinery. These are short courses that can help you gain the skills and experience to apply for a full apprenticeship.
For more information on apprenticeships visit: Apprenticeship.scot
Always check the entry requirements for college courses and apprenticeships, as some courses will require specific subjects at National 5 or Higher level.
How do college qualifications compare to other qualifications?
How do college qualifications compare to other qualifications?
SCQF = Scottish Qualifications Framework
SCQF = Scottish Qualifications Framework
It was created to help people to understand qualifications, to recognise the levels of learning and to help pupils plan their learning journey. It is used by learners, education and training providers and employers
On the left hand side, you can see the levels from 1-12.
You can first school qualifications on the first column, then College qualifications and finally University degrees (in blue)
As you can see an HNC which is a one-year qualification offered at college is equivalent to an AH and could lead to entry to first year at university.
An HND (two-years qualification) could lead to direct entry to year 2 at university.
Where can an HNC or HND qualification lead to?
Where can an HNC or HND qualification lead to?
Colleges students progress on to further study at college, apply to university or move into employment. HNC and HND courses are therefore excellent stepping stones to university for many candidates.
Formal articulation routes:
Formal articulation routes:
This is when a college has an agreement with a specific university that on completion of a specific HNC/HND course students can progress directly to advanced entry on a specific degree programme, if the required grades are achieved.
A recognised qualification
A recognised qualification
Because HNC and HND are clearly recognised by the SCQF, universities will consider applications for Year 2 or Year 3. However, this is not a formal agreement so a place is not guaranteed. This gives you the freedom to apply where you want.
2+2
2+2
Some universities degrees are only accessible in year 3, and therefore universities expect candidates to have completed an HND in a relevant course before applying. So candidates would do two years at College and two years at University.
Will I get funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)?
Will I get funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)?
SAAS funding is available for eligible students studying a variety of courses in Higher education which include HNC and HND. If you progress from an HNC or HND to a University Degree, SAAS funding will be available for the duration of your degree. SAAS will support students for the least number of years they need to complete their course.
More information can be found on the SAAS dedicated pages: here and here
College applications in the context of GWC
College applications in the context of GWC
Who applies to College and for which type of courses?
Who applies to College and for which type of courses?
Pupils who have obtained 2 or 3 Highers at B/C. They usually apply for HNC or HND courses. This is the best destination for them and their first choice
Pupils who need a foundation year to enter a competitive artistic or expressive course such as an Art school or a Conservatoire. This is often an essential step for them.
Pupils who have also done a UCAS application but are not sure that they will meet their entry requirements. This is an ‘insurance’ choice. This is possible because UCAS and College applications are completely independent of each other (with a few exceptions like SRUC). They also apply for HNC and HND courses.
Pupils who need extra/different qualifications to access Further Education. They can apply for National Certificates courses (NC)
Some pupils study part-time at College while also doing an apprenticeship.
The application process
The application process
A conditional offer means you must obtain further qualifications or meet certain criteria before you are accepted. An unconditional offer means that you have been accepted onto the courses and are guaranteed a place.
For information about fees is available on the Edinburgh College Student Funding and Fees website
Can I apply to University and to College at the same time?
Can I apply to University and to College at the same time?
The short answer is yes and many pupils do so every session. This is because applications to university are handled by UCAS whereas College applications are handled by each individual college.
Therefore, you have nothing to lose by applying to both, especially if you are not quite meeting the entry requirements of a particular course.
You can only apply to ONE course in College but to as many colleges as you like!
Who can help me with my College Application?
Who can help me with my College Application?
The Careers team supervises and supports College applications, and Ms Melville coordinates the process. Please let us and your Tutor know that you are considering a college application.
We give support on an individual basis when required to support pupils in completing the application form and writing the Personal Statement.
Pupils are warmly encouraged to drop-in to the Careers office or to email us with any questions at careers@gwc.org.uk
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